India defeated Spain 2-1 in the Paris 2024 Olympics, securing bronze with Harmanpreet’s brace, marking Sreejesh’s final international match.

For the Indian men’s hockey team, this has become a habit as they once again displayed their never-say-die attitude and prowess at the Olympic level to win a historic bronze in the Paris 2024 Olympics. In an intense contest, India thumped Spain 2-1, which added another feather in the cap for the Indian Hockey Team. For captain Harmanpreet Singh, it was another day at the office with a brace leading the way for India. This game also marked the final international appearance of experienced goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who signed out with a heroic performance.

India vs Spain Hockey Score: Nervy Bronze Medal Clash

The match of bronze essentially turned out to be one of nerves as both the competing teams wanted nothing but Olympic glory. Well, the team with the first goal always holds an advantage. Spain became the team to break free when their captain, Marc Miralles, found the net 11 minutes into the second quarter. The early goal placed the Indian men’s team on the back foot, but they gathered together quickly. Harmanpreet Singh, in tremendous form right through the tournament, came up with a crucial equalizer moments before the half-time hooter to set up a tense second half.

The third quarter saw Harmanpreet once again showing up as he doubled his tally to give India a 2-1 lead. The second goal, crafted by precise teamwork and flawless execution, built tremendous pressure on Spain. As the fourth quarter started, India’s defense, now back to full strength with the return of Amit Rohidas, never relented and managed wave upon wave of Spanish attacks. That the Indian hockey team could afford to sweat out till the final minutes for a victory was a pointer to its tactical discipline and mental fortitude.

Harmanpreet’s Heroics and Sreejesh’s Farewell

Harmanpreet Singh was the man of the game, as he captained the side superbly and his goal-scoring abilities gave India the perfect outcome. For Harmanpreet, this double strike secured not only a bronze-medal triumph but also verified his status once again as one of the world’s best hockey players. Amit Rohidas played his part with all the defensive solidity as his return to the team following suspension was crucial in stiffening India’s backline.

Now, the bronze medal match held special importance as it was the last international game for the Indian hockey enforcer, PR Sreejesh. Nicknamed the ‘Great Wall of India,’ he has been crucial in the revival of India at the world stage of hockey. His brilliant save in the last quarter against Spain would ensure that India remained at 2-1, allowing him to retire with an Olympic medal around his neck.

Success Leaves a Legacy: Bronze Medal Victory of Indian Hockey

This win was another feather in the cap of India’s glorious Olympic hockey tradition and sealed the 13th Olympic hockey medal and fourth bronze for them. The win in Paris emulates that which they managed at Tokyo 2020, where, too, India bounced back to claim bronze after losing in the semifinals. The Harmanpreet Singh-led men’s hockey team of India has proven their consistency and reinstated their position as one of the most successful positions.

India has had a good record against Spain in Olympic hockey with seven victories in their 10 meetings before this match. This victory in Paris stretches that dominance even more as the Indian contingent won four of their last five against Spain. Key returnees like Amit Rohidas and the experienced core of this team had their big role to play while navigating these challenges of an uncertain nature that Spain posed.

The Road Ahead for Indian Hockey

And as the curtains fall on PR Sreejesh’s illustrious career, the Indian team paves the way for a new dawn. It’s a result that shows the country’s prowess in the game is not a flash in the pan but a building block for the future. Resilient and with the emergence of new young talents in conjunction with seasoned players, where Harmanpreet is leading from the front, the Indian men’s hockey team is in a great position to continue their hunt for Olympic glory.

A 2-1 win for India against Spain is more than a victory; it’s a jubilant moment for the Indian men’s hockey team that has shown resilience, skill, and a never-say-die spirit. Harmanpreet’s excellent brace and Sreejesh’s heroics in his final international match are going to be remembered as the moments that made a difference in the glorious history of Indian hockey, inspiring future generations that challenge themselves for world-class excellence.